6 MIN READ
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Leather Motorcycle Suit
Want to buy a leather motorcycle suit but don't know where to start? Don't worry! We help you step by step in choosing the perfect motorcycle suit. Discuss the difference between a 1-piece and a 2-piece motorcycle suit, why wearing underwear is a must, and how to determine the right size.
Do you opt for a 1-piece or 2-piece motorcycle suit?
The choice between a 1-piece motorcycle suit/racing suit or a 2-piece motorcycle suit (where you zip the jacket and trousers together), depends on the use you have in mind. Those who only want to ride on the track will choose a suit made from one piece. Those who want to hit the road well protected and want to have the option to have a drink on the terrace in a shirt, will most likely prefer a motorcycle suit in two pieces.
Please note that there is a difference between the 2-piece motorcycle suits sold as a whole and the sporty leather motorcycle jackets and trousers sold separately and can be zipped together. These have been developed with street use as the primary goal and their connection zipper may not always fit the connection zipper of a 2-piece motorcycle suit.
The pros and cons of a one-piece motorcycle suit
Because the motorcycle suit is one piece, you don’t have problems with overlap where the jacket and pants are zipped together. This prevents a weak point and provides better protection in case of a fall. Putting on and taking off this 1-piece suit is more difficult, but with some practice, this will no longer be a problem.
Furthermore, the suit does not have outer pockets, but you don’t need a wallet or smartphone on the track. If you’re going to ride on the road, you’ll have to store these items elsewhere. Fortunately, there is a storage pocket on the inside of the suit.
Advantages:
- Optimal protection
- No connection zipper and overlap
Disadvantages:
- Slightly more difficult to put on and less practical for street use
- No slit pockets
The Pros and Cons of a 2-piece Motorcycle Suit
A 2-piece motorcycle suit is especially useful for street use, as you can wear the jacket and pants separately, which offers more flexibility. Do you stop and want to take off your jacket for a while? No problem, unzip the jacket from the pants and it becomes a lot more airy during that hot summer day! The downside is that you have extra overlap where the jacket and pants are zipped together.
Some 2-piece motorcycle suits, such as those from Alpinestars, have slash pockets in the jacket, which increases the convenience off the track.
Benefits:
- Still a very safe motorcycle suit
- Easier to put on and take off
Disadvantages:
- Zipping the motorcycle suit together requires some skill
- Overlap where you zip the jacket and pants together
Comfort Fit vs Race Fit: What is the main purpose of your motorcycle suit?
The difference between a motorcycle suit with Race Fit or Comfort Fit lies in the small details such as the presence of pockets on the outside of the jacket, the existing sliders, the ability to replace sliders, a speed hump with optional space for a Hydrapak and the finishing of the seams.
Race Fit: This motorcycle suit is equipped with all necessary sliders to slide as well as possible in any position during a fall. Pockets are superfluous and all stitching is extra finely processed and hidden, making this suit last for years. A speed hump is provided for optimal aerodynamics.
Comfort Fit: This motorcycle suit may have knee sliders, but no elbow and shoulder sliders. The suit is equipped with several pockets to stow away items, and the speed hump is not always present.
Always wear undergarments or an undersuit
Wearing base layers significantly contributes to the comfort of a motorcycle suit and aids in regulating your temperature. After an intensive ride, it can be difficult to remove your motorcycle suit without base layers. Base layers help prevent this problem by ensuring that the motorcycle suit glides smoothly over them. This reduces the risk of tearing the internal fabrics of your motorcycle suit.
Where a motorcycle suit can directly cause irritation to your skin due to friction, wearing underwear will absorb this. This way you prevent irritation at your joints and the seams of the motorcycle suit.
When asking colleagues who spend their weekends on the track, the preference is for two-piece underwear (shirt and trousers) instead of a full under suit. The simple reason: This makes it easier to go to the toilet between your rides.
How do you determine the size of a motorcycle suit?
The size of your motorcycle suit is crucial for both comfort and safety. Different brands use different fits for their sizing, so it’s important to try on and not just go by the size you usually wear. Consult the size chart for each brand to determine which size you can try on first and choose the European size that matches your body measurement results. From that size, you can fine-tune towards the perfect fit.
Internal protectors are rarely adjustable. If you are taller or shorter in stature, this can pose a problem. Don’t give up and search for the best size for you.
TIP: Dainese and Alpinestars have approximately the same fit for their motorcycle suits, while REV’IT! feels a bit more spacious.
If possible, it is advisable to test the motorcycle suit together with the separate back protector or the back protector you want to insert. Do this also with your airbag if you will wear an airbag under your suit. The most recent motorcycle suits from Alpinestars are Tech-Air compatible. If you have doubts, you can use the Tech-Air® Compatibility Checker from Alpinestars. If you want to be 100% sure of the fit, also wear your gloves, boots and helmet. In this way, you always have the correct idea of the fit.
How should a motorcycle suit fit?
Tight in the suit: At the first fitting, there isn’t much room for freedom of movement, this is as it should be. A motorcycle suit should fit like a second skin, without restricting your breathing. If you can stand upright, then you have too much space and it is recommended to try a smaller size.
Fit in riding position: A motorcycle suit is ergonomically pre-shaped and developed to sit comfortably on a sports motorcycle. Use our renowned fitting motorcycle for this. When you are in position, you will notice that the suit offers much more comfort than when you are standing upright.
You will notice that the accordion stretch panels do their job and allow more mobility on the motorcycle. They make it possible to move more sideways on the bike and easily dive into the curve. The suit should fit tightly over the back and all protectors should fully cover the joints (shoulders, elbows, and knees) without space to shift.
The trouser legs and sleeves should be short: It is normal for these to just reach the wrist and above the ankles. This allows you to put your gloves and boots over them, without the discomfort of overlapping materials.
Attention: Older motorcycle suits or second-hand motorcycle suits often have a slightly larger sizing. The fits now are different from the fits of ten years ago. Also keep in mind that a broken-in second-hand suit is shaped to the body of the previous owner.
Tip for breaking in your motorcycle suit
A new motorcycle suit can initially feel stiff. To adapt it more quickly to your body, Jonas B. gives you the following tip:
“Wet Molding (wet shaping): On a warm summer day, stand under the shower with your suit on until it is completely soaked, let the leather absorb as much water as possible. Then ride the motorcycle until the suit is completely dry. This helps the suit to adapt to your body shape and ensures the best fit.”
People who work with leather are familiar with this technique. When the leather is saturated with water, it becomes very flexible and at the same time also vulnerable. By manipulating, shaping and drying it, the motorcycle suit will take your shape. Et voilà, your motorcycle suit now fits like a glove!
Buy a motorcycle suit at RAD!
Choosing the right leather motorcycle suit is an important step for every motorcyclist. Whether you choose a 1-piece or 2-piece suit, a Comfort Fit or Race Fit, make sure you select the right size and always wear underwear for extra comfort. Feel free to drop by the nearest RAD store for the best advice and help to find your next motorcycle suit!
Related links:
Nathan is our webshop employee who is ready with advice and assistance to help customers. When he is not answering customer questions, he writes helpful texts and blogs for the RAD site.